Afghanistan

Asked if the Government was considering withdrawing troops from Afghanistan earlier than expected, the PMS said that the Government’s position had not changed. British troops would not be in a combat role beyond the end of 2014. The PM had made it clear that he wanted to see a steady troop drawdown.

Asked if cost was a part of the judgment on the rate of troop drawdown in 2014, the PMS said that the issues would be considered at the appropriate time. When the Government had made its judgment, it would make an announcement. The PM had already made it clear he did not want to see a cliff edge with troop figures falling rapidly in 2014. We wanted to see a steady and measured troop draw down.